BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - A Western New York couple who own a home in Canada are optimistic they will be able to visit their Crystal Beach home on July 21, but uncertainty remains over whether or not Canada will reach its vaccination goal by that date.
Canada announced on Friday the border would remain closed until July 21. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the restrictions will not be loosened until 75% of country's residents have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 20% are fully vaccinated.
"(I was) mildly surprised," John McCarthy, a Buffalo resident who owns a second home in Canada, said. "(My wife, Pam, and I) had thought and were hopeful that the vaccine regimen up there would have expanded enough that he would see fit to open the border. Apparently they didn't. As disappointing as it is for us to not go over, we're particularly disappointed in the Canadian citizens who are unable to obtain the vaccine."
Roughly two-thirds of Canadians have received at least one dose of the vaccine and approximately 13% are fully vaccinated. The likelihood of Canada reaching its goal by July 21 is not clear, though McCarthy is optimistic they will be able to visit their other home again.
Congressman Brian Higgins fumed over the extension on Friday, saying it was "bulls***"
"Just simply restating that the border is going to be closed is not enough," "You need to articulate a vision for when that border is going to be reopened...The Biden administration should take unilateral action to allow loved ones to reunite. That's something the United States government can do without the Canadian government."
According to the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, the bi-national region generates more than $400 billion in gross domestic product. Western New York receives more than $900 million from Canadians who cross the border each year.
